August 26, 2009

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Sen. John Kerry, now the senior senator from Massachusetts, just released the following, deeply emotional statement, describing his longtime friend as a "rock" in his life and an "irreplaceable" force in the Senate:

"We have known for some time that this day was coming, but nothing makes it easier. We have lost a great light in our lives and our politics, and it will never be the same again. Ted Kennedy was such an extraordinary force, yes for the issues he cared about, but more importantly for the humanity and caring in our politics that is at the center of faith and true public service.

“No words can ever do justice to this irrepressible, larger than life presence who was simply the best — the best Senator, the best advocate you could ever hope for, the best colleague, and the best person to stand by your side in the toughest of times. He faced the last challenge of his life with the same grace, courage, and determination with which he fought for the causes and principles he held so dear. He taught us how to fight, how to laugh, how to treat each other, and how to turn idealism into action, and in these last fourteen months he taught us much more about how to live life, sailing into the wind one last time. For almost 25 years, I was privileged to serve as his colleague and share his friendship for which I will always be grateful.

Full statement after the jump.

"We have known for some time that this day was coming, but nothing makes it easier. We have lost a great light in our lives and our politics, and it will never be the same again. Ted Kennedy was such an extraordinary force, yes for the issues he cared about, but more importantly for the humanity and caring in our politics that is at the center of faith and true public service.

“No words can ever do justice to this irrepressible, larger than life presence who was simply the best -- the best Senator, the best advocate you could ever hope for, the best colleague, and the best person to stand by your side in the toughest of times. He faced the last challenge of his life with the same grace, courage, and determination with which he fought for the causes and principles he held so dear. He taught us how to fight, how to laugh, how to treat each other, and how to turn idealism into action, and in these last fourteen months he taught us much more about how to live life, sailing into the wind one last time. For almost 25 years, I was privileged to serve as his colleague and share his friendship for which I will always be grateful.

“Teresa and I send all our love to Vicki, Teddy Jr., Patrick, Kara and their family, and to the entire Kennedy family for whom Teddy was always a rock at times like this. Massachusetts and our entire nation shares their loss and grieves with them."

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I agree with Kerry. Although Teddy had his flaws, when you put the sum of all parts of his career together you see a man who had a dedication to serve and do so in an exemplary manner. Many thanks to Ted for his many years of selfless service and his dedication to the people of the great nation. Rest in peace Ted.

Ted's death is a sad day for America. Kennedy was one of the last great voices of his generation, and now their time is coming to a close, just as his life has ended. His legacy will never be forgotten, and will likely never be surpassed. The example he set by overcoming personal tragedy time and time again to rise above and succeed is a great American story of courage and selflessness. I wish his family all the best in their time of bereavement.

I agree with Kerry to this extent - considering there were only two sitting senators from Mass, one being Kerry, no matter who the other guy was, he'd have to be "simply the best" but only by comparison to Kerry's sorry ass

As a lifelong republican, I must admit that I never cared too much for Ted Kennedy for purely political reasons. Still, his presence will be missed in the senate where he served for many years and did as fine a job as anyone can do. We sure could use more folks like him in congress - people who have the courage to reach across the aisle to get the job done for America, instead of engaging in futile partisan rhetoric.